Kodak Panoram (1899–1928)

A series of swing-lens panoramic cameras made by Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York.

Overview

The Kodak Panoram is a series of swing-lens panoramic cameras produced by Eastman Kodak from 1899 to 1928. The most widely used model in the series was the No. 1 Panoram Kodak, introduced in 1900 and produced until 1926. Another model, the No. 4 Kodak Panoram, was available between 1899 and 1924. These cameras were manufactured in Rochester, New York, and are noted for their unique imaging capability made possible by the swing-lens design.

Specifications

Design

The Kodak Panoram uses a swing-lens panoramic design in which the lens assembly rotates to capture a wide arc, exposing a curved strip of film. The swinging mechanism itself acts as the shutter—there is no conventional shutter. The No. 1 Panoram Kodak comes in two versions, one of which features a back that detaches completely from the body.

Context

The Kodak Panoram series stands out for its ability to create images with a sweeping panoramic view that few other cameras of the era could match. The No. 1 Panoram Kodak became the most widely used model in the line, and modern users have adapted the camera to accept 120 film, which shares the same width as the original 105 film but uses slightly different spools.